Hundreds defy storm, attend Filipino festival at Vallejo's waterfront

A tiny fraction of the number of people who usually converge on the Vallejo waterfront for the annual Pista sa Nayon festival braved the decidedly atypical June rain for Saturday's event.

But the 25th anniversary celebration, which featured some of the most popular Filipino entertainers, braved on anyway.

The 2011 Vallejo Pista sa Nayon kick-off parade was as successful as could be expected, organizers said.

"People came despite the rain," organizer Gregoria Torres said. "One family I know of came all the way from Reno for this. The parade was wet, but it was wonderful."

Torres said this was the first time in 25 years it's rained on Vallejo's Pista celebration. And despite organizers putting on a game face, the ominous clouds, rain and occasional downpour had a negative impact on what usually is among the city's best-attended events.

One longtime Vallejo resident who asked not to be identified, called it "unfortunate."

"There are about a 1,000 people here now, and this is the most that has been here all day," the man said at about 3:30 p.m. during a brief dry spell. "That is way fewer than expected and, unfortunately, it's because of the rain."

The annual Filipino celebration typically draws more than 30,000. Organizer Jeff Holder said he estimates there were between 25 percent and 40 percent of the usual number.

Of the 90 or so vendors who paid $500 or more for booths, some two dozen either didn't show or left before lunch, one organizer said, But some abandoned booths served as shelter for attendees.

"We're trying to keep dry," said Bobbie Bell of Vallejo, while under one such canopy. Bell said he was at the festival to see his daughter perform as part of the Chapkis Dance group. "But the food's good and the music's good," he added.

Unlike Bell, who was attending for the first time, Vi Verango of Vallejo said she comes every year. She came with her two young children, Dominic and Gevilee.

"The rain is a problem, but it's a big (Filipino) community. You just have to bring your own hood," Verango said. "But, they probably should have rescheduled it."

Organizers said the logistics of rescheduling or moving an event this size is very difficult.

Describing the circumstances as "challenging," Holder, general chairman of the Philippine Cultural Committee, said, "Our vendors and our people have been upbeat. Several vendors came and left, they may have found the weather less hospitable than they'd have liked, but all in all it was a wonderful experience."

Among those attending was Joseph Nicolas of Vallejo, 15, who said he wouldn't miss it.

"I come every year," the Vallejo High School freshman said. "It's pretty wet, but it's OK. I come to show my pride as a Filipino and to say 'hi' to my friends."